In a decisive 6-1 majority decision, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has brought an end to the lifetime disqualification for lawmakers as stipulated in Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution. This ruling overturns the court’s previous judgment from 2018 and establishes that disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) is not permanent; instead, it should follow specific disqualification procedures.
The court’s verdict takes into consideration the Elections (Amendment) Act 2023, which introduces a 5-year disqualification period. Notably, individuals like former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and leader Jahangir Tareen, who faced disqualification under this provision, are now cleared to participate in elections.
Emphasizing the necessity for a law outlining the disqualification procedure, the court’s decision marks a significant shift in the interpretation of Article 62(1)(f) and introduces a more nuanced approach to political disqualifications in Pakistan.
